DIGITAL EDITION

Twelve display systems to help bring your client’s message to the fore.

Why be “vanilla” when it comes to display options when you can offer something exciting for your client? That seems to be the message this year in looking at the various display systems across the marketplace.

Yes, traditional displays – popup tradeshow units, banner stands, etc. – are still available and always in demand. But if you want your customer’s message to stand out in the crowd, you need to be able to provide some more intriguing possibilities.

As the market for wide-format digital graphics expands, print service providers look to ink producers for products that are more versatile and environmentally friendly without compromising color or durability. OEM suppliers, their partners and aftermarket ink makers are responding in kind, evident in refinements in eco-solvent inks and newer technologies like latex inks and LED-cured UV inks.

How do you go about determining which new product lines should be added to your business?

Although we’re now officially out of the recession, the market for signage and graphics remains very challenging and we all continue to face some difficult times as we battle to sustain success in our businesses. To stay viable, you should be constantly examining and evaluating not only the present state of your business, but also its future.

EnChroma, Inc., a California-based company that studies the feasibility of enhancing color vision in humans, has announced the release of a free Color Blindness Test for smartphones and tablets. Adults and children can take this test online at enchroma.com/test or by downloading the free app by searching for “enchroma” in their mobile device app store.

“Our capital will enable the company to identify even more applications for its textiles..."

German private-equity firm Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG) has announced that it will acquire Heytex Bramsche, the manufacturer of print media and technical textiles, in a management buyout. DBAG will hold an interest of up to 19 percent in Heytex; co-investing DBAG Fund V and Heytex management will acquire the remaining shares. The transaction is expected to be completed this calendar year.

New subsidiary integrates Canon Business Solutions and select Océ companies.

Canon USA has announced the launch of Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon USA, effective January 1, 2013. The new subsidiary integrates the business operations of Canon Business Solutions, Inc., Océ North America, Inc., and Océ Imagistics, Inc., and will provide sales and support for Canon and Océ hardware, software and services targeting general office, production print, and large-format markets in the United States.

The Atlanta City Council is establishing new legislative measures that will “usher in an era of huge advertising wraps on downtown buildings” in Georgia’s capital, according to SaportaReport (saportareport.com), the online information resource for Atlanta business. The measures are being put in place to coincide with the city’s hosting of the NCAA Final Four men’s basketball tournament in April – which is expected to draw 80,000 hoops fans and have an economic impact of $61 million.

JFX500-2131 UV LED flatbed, JV400-130/160 SUV printer also make their debut.

Mimaki USA has introduced two new sublimation printers: the TS500-1800 for transfer sublimation, and the TX500-1800DS for direct sublimation (onto pre-treated polyester fabrics). Both are 6-color printers (CMYKcm) that can accommodate media up to 75-in. wide; max resolution is 600 x 1200 dpi and top speed is 1615 sq ft/hr (at 300 x 600 dpi).

G-Floor Graphic (www.gfloorgraphic.com), the print media division of Better Life Technology, has launched Absolute White Print Media, a first-surface print product for shops without white-ink capabilities. Suitable for solvent and UV inks, it is a 75-mil base product with 100% through color. Suitable for all display applications, including being submerged in wet environments such as fountains and pools, the company reports. Available in roll sizes of 5 x 10 and 10 x 61 ft.